North Carolina Auto Insurance Rates & Requirements
North Carolina requires 50/100/50 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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North Carolina at a Glance
50/100/50
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
North Carolina operates under a traditional at-fault liability system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident pays for damages through their insurance. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility, enforced through the North Carolina Financial Responsibility Act. Unlike neighboring states, North Carolina uses a centralized insurance verification system that cross-references DMV and insurance company data to identify uninsured drivers automatically.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Cost Overview
about $77/mo
Average car insurance spending in North Carolina
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
What Affects Your Rate
- North Carolina's contributory negligence law increases liability risk, as drivers cannot recover damages if even slightly at fault, making higher liability limits more valuable here than in comparative negligence states.
Compare Before You Renew
Compare Auto Insurance RatesCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. The 30/60/25 minimum often proves inadequate for serious collisions — many drivers carry 100/300/100 or higher to protect personal assets from lawsuits.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage into a complete protection package. Covers both your legal obligations and your own vehicle damage regardless of fault.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for non-collision damage to your vehicle from theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, hail, falling objects, and animal strikes. Does not cover accidents with other vehicles or single-car crashes.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes an accident. Functions as a backup liability policy when the at-fault driver cannot pay.
Collision Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle in accidents with other cars, objects, or single-vehicle crashes regardless of fault. Your deductible ($500–$1,000 typically) applies before payment.